CLOSING DATE
9/29/2026 11:59 PM EASTERN
THE POSITION
Join the North Central Secure Treatment Unit as a Juvenile Justice Specialist Trainee with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services. This is your chance to build strong skills while helping young people make better choices. In this role, you will learn from experienced staff and grow into a trusted support for youth in need. Take the first step toward a meaningful career that creates real change.
Successful completion of the six-month training program results in a promotion to a Juvenile Justice Specialist with an increase in salary!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This role prepares you to grow into a Juvenile Justice Specialist through 6 months of classroom instruction and hands-on experience. You will build the skills needed to support and guide young people while working under close supervision.
As a Juvenile Justice Specialist Trainee, you will perform the following duties:
- Training Participation: Attend formal classroom sessions and complete assigned learning activities
- Youth Support: Assist adjudicated youth in hygiene, meals, recreation, work tasks, and structured programs
- Safety Practices: Follow procedures for security, crisis response, and safe facility operations
- Team Engagement: Participate in meetings and contribute to group planning and discussions
- Record Keeping: Complete logs, forms, and reports to document daily observations and progress
- Crisis Response: Act prudently in crisis situations and apply trained techniques to maintain order
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment.
- The current starting salary for the Juvenile Justice Specialist Trainee position is $21.22 / hour. Upon successful completion of the six month trainee program you will be promoted to a Juvenile Justice Specialist with a salary of $27.69 / hour.
- Department of Human Services provides excellent benefits, contractual pay increases, paid holidays and leave entitlements, opportunity for advancement and shift selection in addition to a great work environment.
- Shift work in a 24/7/365 operation, including holidays and weekends. 8-hour shifts with no duty-free lunch. Shifts normally consist of 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM, and 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM.
- 5-day work week with 2 days off.
- Must be willing to work in Danville, Montour County
- Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
- Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $44,273.00 (before taxes).
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Necessary Special Requirement:
- You must be at least 21 years old at the time of application.
Other Requirements:
- PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
